A lot of people, regardless of how fit and healthy they are, have pockets of additional fat on the body that they dislike. In men it is the waist region, and in ladies the tummy, hips and thighs.
With the high demand for Liposuction in the UK, less invasive Laser Liposuction options are becoming more and more popular as they have relatively no down time and a reduced risk of lumps bumps and irregularities that can occur with traditional liposuction.
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi revolutionized the Smartlipo treatment (Laser Assisted Liposuction), being the first surgeon to combine gentle liposuction with Smartlipo for more rapid results without relying on traditional laser lipolysis alone.
SmartLipo Laser Assisted Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure using a specially designed powerful laser to sculpt the body contours and to permanently remove fat cells. Best of all the laser energy also interacts with the skin which results in proper skin shrinkage and tightening, thus significantly reducing cellulite and lose skin.
For patients wishing to find out more about the Smartlipo procedure, Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi answers these frequently asked questions.
How effective is the Smartlipo treatment?
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi: Visible results are seen immediately with suction. However, it will take 3-6 months post-treatment to start seeing significant results of the treatment. If large amounts of fat are to be removed, a stepped programme will probably be advised to allow for gradual reshaping. Fat can be removed from almost any part of the body.
Are there any Side Effects?
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi: No, the majority of cases there are no side effects. Occasionally, however, there may be a temporary bruising of the skin around the area of treatment and slight discomfort usually lasting for a day or two.
Does the procedure hurt?
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi: No, Smartlipo is a minimally invasive surgical procedure and is administered under a local anaesthetic, IV Sedation or light general anaesthetic.
There may be a sensation of tugging and some minor stinging but this is very tolerable.
Are the results permanent?
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi: Yes, it is a very effective treatment. However, Smartlipo like any weight loss programme needs a sensible diet and a healthy lifestyle to maintain peak condition and efficacy.
Can Laserlipolysis be used to treat obesity?
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi: No, laserlipolysis is not designed to treat obesity. However, Smartlipo with suction can be used to treat two or more large areas in a person who is overweight and who finds it quite difficult to lose weight.
A person with obesity, who requests Laserlipolysis, is always recommended to try losing weight by other means first.
Can Smartlipo be used for skin tightening alone?
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi: Yes, especially with the Smartlipo MPX system which has 2 laser wavelengths. The setting of the laser can be used in such a way to treat loose skin with very effective results.
Can Smartlipo work on cellulite and stretch marks?
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi: Smartlipo (treatment) and specifically Smartlipo MPX and Smartlipo Triplex system has the ability not only to reduce fat and tighten the skin but has the ability to treat cellulite. The laser energy can be set up in such a way that it is designed to tighten the skin and improve cellulite appearance by giving significant skin tightening effects.
As regards to stretch mark improvement, there is so far no proven clinical study. However there are some patients who have noticed some improvement regarding their stretch marks after Smartlipo treatment.
Will I have saggy skin after the Smartlipo treatment?
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi: NO, it is the other way round. After the Smartlipo treatment the patient usually has a significant skin tightening effect especially if the surgeon uses the Smartlipo MPX system. This system has the ability to introduce an adequate amount of laser energy, heating the dermis (skin) and the fat within safe parameters, which will give the skin tightening effect.
After extraction will the fat grow back again?
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi: Smartlipo dissolves the fatty cells and it is not possible for them to reproduce themselves.
If the patient puts on weight again the increase will tend to be distributed proportionally over the entire body. The same applies for a weight loss. The total number of fat cells in the body of an adult after adolescence is constant. The greater number of adipose cells located in a specific site, the more difficult it will be to reduce this area by dieting alone. The increase in weight is due to the increase in the size of the existing cells, not the creation of new cells.
This is why dieting reduces the size of all the cells in a proportional manner, leaving the body without any significant changes.
What kind of results can I expect?
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi: Even though the results of Smartlipo can be quite spectacular, it is not realistic to hope for perfection. Smartlipo enhances the body with a new contour thanks to the reducing of centimetres in localised areas; however it is not sufficient for achieving a harmonic figure. The tonicity of the skin and muscles also play an extremely important role in the appearance of people.
Will my skin contract to fit around my new contours?
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi: The skin is an elastic structure. Smartlipo respects these properties and to a certain extent stimulates them, provoking a re-adapting of the casing (skin) around the contents (fat). Pregnancy is a perfect example. The abdominal skin in the majority of women contracts after childbirth.
Preoperative instructions
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi: The following are several recommendations to be kept in mind before the operation. From this moment you start to consider Smartlipo try to stop smoking, as cigarettes reduce the blood circulation and make the healing of wounds more difficult. Do not take aspirin or Ibuprofen as they may interfere with the coagulation. Limit any supplementary intake of vitamin E tablets. If you are taking any prescribed medicine, do not interrupt the therapy without first talking with us.
